Hematite

HEMATITE

Hematite is the mineral form of iron and has a crystal structure.

Mineral characteristics of Hematite

Hardness- 5.5 - 6.5

Color- grey to earthy red

Luster- very metallic

streak- goes from bright red to dark red

Density- 5.3

Crystal structure- tri-gonal

Cleavage- none

Fracture- conchoidal

Special Characteristics- all forms of hematite havethe same streak

How it forms- Hematite forms at degrees above 950 Celcius

Where it is found- found in places that have had standing water, there have been deposits found in Yellow Stone Park

Uses of Hematite- the most common use is in jewelry

Is it found in Iowa? We couldn't find any sources stating that hematite is anywhere in Iowa

sites used: 1. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hematite
2. http://webmineral.com/data/Hematite.shtml
3. http://www.minerals.net/mineral/oxides/hematite/hematite.htm